Kimbrough used the cut-and-come-again technique, cutting some leaves for harvest or samples and leaving the rest so the plant can continue to grow. This harvest, the first since Kimbrough began this round of the experiment on Oct. 25 with six plants, will be for crew consumption.

"Testing this method on-orbit, after using it on the ground, is very exciting for us," said Veggie Project Manager Nicole Dufour. "A repetitive harvest allows us to provide more food for both the crew and for science, so it's a win-win. We are looking forward to hearing how Shane enjoys his first harvest!"

The aim of the project is to understand how plants respond to microgravity. Future long-duration missions will require astronauts to grow their own food.